Oshie Wearing Neck Guard For Capitals-Islanders; Why It's A Big Deal

The Capitals winger’s company, Warroad, sold out of its shirts with built-in neck guards following Adam Johnson’s death.

WASHINGTON — Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie is the latest to opt for wearing a neck guard following Adam Johnson’s death and is sporting one for Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders.

Oshie took the ice wearing a neck guard courtesy of his sports apparel company, Warroad, and will keep it on for the game. The neck guard is built into the TILO neck and wrist base layer top that Oshie was wearing.

Per an email from the company, Oshie was getting his shirt custom-made to feature not only the neck and wrist guards but also the “Padloc” technology in the sleeves, which holds his elbow pads in place.

Warroad has sold out of the TILO neck and wrist base layer tops for the general public.

Tom Wilson was wearing the shirt with the built-in neck guard at Thursday’s optional morning skate. He told reporters afterward that he didn’t notice much of a difference with the guard on, but knew having it provided another integral level of protection.

The Capitals are the latest NHL team to see their players try out neck protection after Johnson died on Saturday after being cut in the neck by a skate blade in a game in an Elite Hockey League game overseas.

This move by Oshie is a significant one. Not only does it provide more protection for the player, but it sets an example for kids watching and shows that professional players are also aware of the risks and take the extra step to protect themselves.